Questions on NO2 and Creatine

[Dmit]

I am 18, I don't bodybuild but I do strength train. I am more lanky than buff, although I am NOT lanky (6'0, 171 lbs), if that makes sense. I do have a nice six-pack and I like my "slender" look, so not necessarily looking to "bulk up" dramatically or anything, but continued weight gain through strength training is something I would like to achieve since I do play basketball in a league and take martial arts.

Creatine question: So one of my friends, who actually hasn't lifted before, is now lifting and taking creatine. I am not aware of the specific effects on him or anything but it really got me reading about creatine. So here are my questions:

1.)Is the water gain: muscle gain ratio, in lbs, 1:1 or something else? I heard 15lbs are gained the first month, on avg. It seems like gaining 7.5lbs is kinda alot?
2.)Will consistent creatine use, even if I don't take specifically prior to sprint training, a ball game, or martial arts, reduce my ability to perform in those areas, in terms of speed? Since I will have added so much water weight by retaining it?
3.)How much of a "bloated" feel is there? Will I look bloated too? Because I don't really want to feel bloated all the time (like when you overeate sometimes and then the morning after) or lose my 6-pack look.
4.)Since the most gains are, understanbly, made within the first month... What happens if I stop using it? I realize since creatine actually automatically makes you a little bit stronger, that I will likely be able to lift a little less than when I used it... But will I be able to gain more strengh from training a month on creatine than without, considering that I will quit using it after a month?
5.)My basic concern is with the bloating issue and the perception I have that those who are heavily engaged in aerobic sports may feel negative effects from the water retention and such. Remember, I am NOT a bodybuilder nor am I training to be an Olympic lifter. My spring workout are very important and when I run in general, I run to improve my times, not to burn calories.



NO2:
1.)Same questions about bloating. Same questions about negative effects on aerobic activity.
2.)This may sound funny, but I am now a college student and thinking is pretty important. If NO2 is supposed to give you a constant "pump", does this mean the blood that's supposed to go to my brain will be elsewhere, such as in my biceps? That is probably a very rookie question, but I am very curious. Or is the "pump" feeling not something constant, such as water retention with creatine, and is only present after a dose of NO2 prior to working out?


Another overall question I have is that I have read the main "blank" in research of the possible negative effects of creatine and NO2 is that it is yet unknown what kind of effects they have on the heart, since the heart is also a muscle. Any more info on this that anyone is aware of?

*Note: With regards to my concerns of negative effects on aerobic activity, I AM perfectly aware that you don't take either substance prior to a 1-hour run or a basketball game.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Any info would be appreciated. I wrote this fast and some parts may be unclear. Please let me know, I'll gladly clarify anything. Thanks, again.

[4 His Glory]

This should anwser all your questions about creatine:

http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/creatineresearch2.php

Just say NO to the NO2! Look around just on some of the most recent discussions here in the Nutrition section there is actually one going about No2 right now.

[Dmit]

Alright, thank you. I just read that link, it gave me alot of info... But it doesn't tell me about the water gain: muscle gain ratio or whether it will give me a "bloated" look. I understand that I won't gain fat from it... But maybe it will look like it?

Thanks again, however. Greatly appreciated.

[4 His Glory]

Woops forgot this one sorry bro....

http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/creat...0and_facts.php

That might be better

[l0stsheep]

You will see some water weight gain from it, but it won't make you fat. And if you take the creatine correctly, IE scoop 5 grams in your mouth and wash down with a small amount of water, the water weight will be minimized.

[medium pimpin]

well on the creatine, u tend to gain 5-10 lbs of straight water after loading and maintenance. but it will help u gain lean mass and strength according to several studies. the best way to take it is to cycle it 6 weeks on 1 week off, then reload.

at the end of ur cycle or after the week or no creatine the 5-10 lbs of water weight will go away. so its only temporary. "bloated" look ur talking about is only minor since it is indeed not fat

[PLATINUMPHOG]

Here is a site where I found some info. about creatine.

[gr0undz3r0]

[ QUOTE ]
well on the creatine, u tend to gain 5-10 lbs of straight water after loading and maintenance. but it will help u gain lean mass and strength according to several studies. the best way to take it is to cycle it 6 weeks on 1 week off, then reload.

at the end of ur cycle or after the week or no creatine the 5-10 lbs of water weight will go away. so its only temporary. "bloated" look ur talking about is only minor since it is indeed not fat

[/ QUOTE ]
umm i didnt.
I loaded after week 3 of the 13 week hardcore cut and havent gained any wieght matter o fact im losing.
So I am not sure about this.
Im on week 6 now ust so you know.
Rock on!

[medium pimpin]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
well on the creatine, u tend to gain 5-10 lbs of straight water after loading and maintenance. but it will help u gain lean mass and strength according to several studies. the best way to take it is to cycle it 6 weeks on 1 week off, then reload.

at the end of ur cycle or after the week or no creatine the 5-10 lbs of water weight will go away. so its only temporary. "bloated" look ur talking about is only minor since it is indeed not fat

[/ QUOTE ]
umm i didnt.
I loaded after week 3 of the 13 week hardcore cut and havent gained any wieght matter o fact im losing.
So I am not sure about this.
Im on week 6 now ust so you know.
Rock on!

[/ QUOTE ]
well that could be true, there are a couple of explanations that might cause this, 1) u could be a creatine non-responder, 2) u might not be consuming adequate water, or 3) u could be an exception. although creatine is known for helping induce lean mass gains and strength and has also been proven to retain water in muscles, that was even shown on a recent episode of csi. just sayin

[l0stsheep]

Sooo....in other words, groudzero's the man.